Ishigaki Island—Site of the Former Telegraph Office—
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
What Is the Site of the Former Telegraph Office?
The site of the former telegraph office isdeified volcano or volcanic eruptionIt's located along the road that circles around.
Officially known as the “Submarine Cable Landing Station,” this facility was constructed by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1897 for military purposes to connect Taiwan (which had been ceded by the Qing Dynasty following the end of the First Sino-Japanese War) and Japan via a submarine cable. It played a vital role for approximately half a century, until the end of World War II.
During World War II, the building came under Allied artillery fire, and countless bullet holes remain in the walls and ceilings to this day, bearing witness to that era.
Directions to the Site of the Former Telegraph Office
Den-shin-ya is located about a 36-minute drive from New Ishigaki Airport and about a 35-minute drive from the Remote Islands Terminal.
After leaving New Ishigaki Airport, turn right, head north on National Route 390, and turn left at the T-intersection where it merges with Route 211.
Head west, turn onto Route 208, and drive north along Nagura Bay.
As you follow the road with the ocean on your left, you'll see it on your left.
Exit the Remote Islands Terminal, turn left, and turn left at the intersection with City Hall Street.
Turn right onto the Torin-ji Nishi-dori Line.
Continue straight ahead, and turn left at the intersection where Route 208 joins the road.
Head north on Route 208, turn onto Route 79, and follow the coastline with the ocean on your left.
If you walk a little further, you'll see the site of a former telegraph office on your left.
How to Have Fun at the Old Telegraph Office Site
The ruins of a telegraph station near Mt. Yarabue in the northwest.
Even though there’s nothing around it, the way it stands there all alone has a certain charm.
Although it looks like a ruin since it’s no longer in use, when combined with the weather on Ishigaki Island, this historic building doesn’t feel scary at all.
Details of Telegraph Shop Ruins
Following the Sino-Japanese War and the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, Taiwan was ceded by the Qing Dynasty to Japan.
A military submarine cable was laid for military purposes between Japan and Taiwan, which had become a colony.
It was built at that time to serve as a relay station connecting Japan and Taiwan via telegraph.
Since the facility was originally built for military purposes, it was used almost exclusively by the military, but it gradually came to be used for public communications as well.
Although it is no longer in use, it played an important role until after World War II.
During the Pacific War, Ishigaki Island also became a target of U.S. military attacks.
All the buildings surrounding the telegraph office were destroyed by fire, but the telegraph office alone remained standing.
Bullet holes remain in the ceiling and walls of the telegraph office, allowing visitors to sense the horrors of the war at that time and appreciate the importance of peace.
Also, if you walk from the site of the old telegraph office toward the ocean, you'll find a hidden gem of a beach that hardly anyone visits.
The sea off the coast boasts exceptional clarity, with abundant native colorful coral and a wide variety of vibrantly colored fish.
Since large fish from the wrasse family also inhabit these waters, you can enjoy some truly spectacular underwater scenery.
Because it is located some distance from the city center and the remote island terminal, very few people visit, and since it is not maintained, it retains its natural state.
However, since the lifeguards are not equipped with nets to protect against box jellyfish, you must take responsibility for your own safety.
For that reason, we recommend going with a group.
Also, since there are no showers, restrooms, or lockers, it’s a good idea to bring a large towel for changing.
The beach behind the former telegraph office faces southeast, so it’s easily affected by southerly winds and has strong currents; therefore, it’s best not to go in the water.
Since it’s also a popular spot for watching the sunset, it’s a great idea to stroll along the old railroad tracks and admire the coral and tropical fish during the day, then watch the sunset while listening to the sound of the waves in the evening.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Site of the Former Telegraph Office
Osaki Beach
To get to Osaki Beach from the former telegraph office, turn left onto the street right in front of you and follow the road; you'll find it on your left.
Located nearly a 30-minute drive from the town at the southwestern tip of the island, this is a hidden gem of a beach that most tourists never visit.
Osaki Beach stretches behind the former telegraph office and is known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Since there are coral reefs even in the shallow waters, you can easily enjoy snorkeling.
However, since the currents are strong further out at sea, please limit your snorkeling to the shallows.
Location: Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: 30 minutes by car from Ishigakijima Island Terminal
Parking: Available
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
deified volcano or volcanic eruption
To get to the site of the former telegraph office in Misakizaki, leave the site and head west along the road directly in front of you.
Follow the road as it winds northward.
Once you cross the river, you'll come to a Y-intersection; turn left there, and you'll see Misakizaki ahead.
Misaki is the westernmost cape on Ishigaki Island, and the emerald-green sea viewed from its cliffs is exceptionally clear, allowing you to see all the way down to the reef on the seabed.
In addition, the Misaki Lighthouse stands at the tip of the cape, and in early spring, the surrounding area is blanketed in white and pink by trumpet lilies and hill-sazaki moonflowers.
Because it is located at the westernmost tip of Ishigaki Island, it is a popular spot for watching the sunset.
Many tourists visit Misaki to photograph the sunset.
This is a spot with a spectacular view where you can see Kohama Island and Iriomote Island across the water.
You can also head down to the beach and enjoy activities like stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling. It’s a popular spot where you can enjoy both the scenery and these activities, so be sure to check it out.
Location: Aza Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa, Japan
Access: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Shin-Ishigaki Airport, 45 minutes by car from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
Parking: Available (approx. 10 cars) free of charge
Meals (nearby): Available
Toilet: Yes
Yarabe-dake
To head toward Mt. Yarabe from the old telegraph office site, turn left after leaving the site.
Turn right at the first T-intersection, then follow the road straight ahead to reach your destination.
Mt. Yarabe is a 216.5-meter-high mountain featuring a massive rock formation known as “Troll’s Tongue,” and it is a popular hiking spot.
When it comes to hiking, the Nosoko-dake trail is well-known, but Mount Yarabu is actually quite popular, too.
Since you can drive all the way to the 8th station on the mountain, it’s a great option for those who aren’t confident in their physical fitness or for families with children.
In addition, Sakieda Elementary and Junior High Schools are located nearby, and since students from those schools often hike this mountain, it’s clear that even first-time hikers can climb it with confidence.
You'll arrive while observing the unique plants and animals of the subtropics.
As mentioned above, at the summit you’ll find the Troll Rock, the symbol of Mt. Yarabue.
Because it is large and protrudes like the tongue of a monster called a troll, it came to be known as “Troll’s Tongue.”
You can climb onto the troll's tongue to look around, or crawl underneath it.
Since only a limited number of people can climb onto the tongue at a time, please wait your turn when there are many people around.
Access: 30 minutes by car from downtown Ishigaki
Parking: No dedicated parking, paid parking available nearby.
Details of Telegraph Shop Ruins
| Location | Sakieda, Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture (View in MAP) |
| Access | Approximately 35 minutes by car from the remote island terminal |
| parking lot | None (There is space for cars to make a U-turn) |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
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